The Chaliphate - Muir - The Search For Mecca

A.D. 861-70] ATTEMPTS AT REFORM 541
him, against .*^1-Muhtadi's command, to return with them A. 11. 247
to Samarra. There he went straight to the Cahph, who ^J_
was seated on the bench dispensing justice, and after altercation,
carried him off on one of the attendant's horses, when
the usual scene of riot and plunder followed. Reasoned
with by Al-Muhtadi on the scandalous affront thus offered
to
their Sovereign's person, Musa and his followers returned
to their loyalty, on assurance given that the crimes of Salih
would be reckoned with and justice done.
Salih, now deserted b\' his friends, fled into hiding. Salih
Thence, by an unknown hand, he sent the Calii)h a letter,
p"""^"'^-
'
'
offering
-^
submission to trial and
.
restitution. Al-Muhtadi Dec. 869
'
.'1. 256 A. 11.
being in favour of this, the Turks assumed that he knew ^•^•'
his hiding-place, and was conniving with him. The\-
resolved on his dethronement; but Al-Muhtadi bravely
met them sword in hand, ready to thrust through the first
that should approach. He protested that he knew nothing
of Salih's retreat, and promised public inquisition on the
morrow after prayers. Meanwhile, the people learning
the traitorous proceedings of the Turks, were so touched
by the peril in which a Sovereign whom they had learned
to respect and love was in, that they scattered throughout
the streets and lanes of Bagdad, sheets on which was
inscribed a call for prayer and intercession with the Lord
to save their pious Caliph and confound the designs of the
rebel Turks. A band of the foreign troops touched by
the appeal, rallied round Al-Muhtadi, who promised his
best to reform the government, provide for payment of all
dues, bring Salih to justice, and Musa also to account.
Search for Salih still continued without success and with
danger to the Caliph, when fortunately he was discovered, ^^j
pursued b\- the mob, and delivered over to Musa's retainers, murdered,
who slew him and exposed his head, with the proclamation j.;„ J
(strange sentiment for the Turks), " Such is the fate of him S70 a.d.
that slayeth his Master."
Things went on thus for several months, when the cry Muluadi
arose again from the Turkish garrison of Bagdad for arrears
of pay. The Caliph told them that the treasury was empty,
as Musa's brothers,— sons of the elder Bogha, the party now
in opposition to Al-Muhtadi,—had embezzled all the revenues.
These fled to Musa, wh.j, with Babki\ -il, was now engaged
jf,J,'",,j"ic,.